9-Year-Old Boy Dead, Two Seriously Injured In Atlantic County Crash

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) – A 9-year-old boy is dead and two other victims are suffering serious injuries after a three-vehicle accident in Atlantic County, according to authorities.

At about 12:58 on Sunday afternoon, Hamilton Township Police responded to the scene on Cologne Avenue in front of the Cologne Firehouse.

Investigators discovered that 58-year-old William Liepe of Mays Landing was traveling south on Cologne Avenue when his Ford Explorer rear-ended a Honda Accord, driven by Max Guzman.

Authorities say 35-year-old Guzman, who is a Hammonton resident, was trying to make a left-hand turn from Cologne Avenue to the athletic fields behind the fire department.

The impact of the Ford caused Guzman’s Honda to enter the northbound lane, striking a Cadillac Escalade.

Guzman was transported to the AltantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City to be treated for his injuries. His 11-year-old son, Max Guzman Jr., was seated in the front seat of the vehicle and was flown to Cooper University Hospital for serious injuries he sustained.

Nine-year-old Ryan Schleyer was in the back seat of Guzman’s vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities say. Investigators say he was wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the escalade, 38-year-old Rosa Vazquez of Egg Harbor, had her mother and two children in the car. Her 15-year-old daughter, Jalyssa Hitchens, who was in the front passenger seat, complained of shoulder pain. Vazquez’ 2-year-old son was sitting in the back seat and was not taken to the hospital. Authorities say Vazquez’ mother, 71-year-old Rosa Vazquez, sustained cardiac issues as a result of the crash.

The accident is currently under investigation. There is no word on William Liepe’s condition at this time.